Alpinia spp.

Alzheimer's agentsAlzheimer's agents: In vitro, Alpinia galanga extract inhibited the activation of THP-1 cells and reduced inflammation-related gene expression, which the investigators stated may be useful in delaying the onset and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (44). Also, treatment with Alpinia oxyphylla fruits extract showed a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro (30).

Anticoagulants/antiplateletsAnticoagulants/antiplatelets: According to a review, Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), a combination product containing a mixture of Alpinia officinarum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, and Vitis vinifera, has been used both traditionally and in modern medicine to stop bleeding that was uncontrolled with conventional anti-hemorrhagic agents (14). According to a case report, this product has been applied endoscopically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding (45). In other case reports, ABS spray effectively treated excessive bleeding when used during dental surgery in four patients with increased bleeding tendencies due to von Willebrand Disease, liver failure, or mitral valve replacement (46). In a clinical trial, this agent reduced the amount of bleeding that occurred during episiotomy repair (47). However, it is unclear if the anti-hemorrhagic effect of ABS spray was due to the Alpinia officinarum constituent. In vitro, Alpinia mutica Roxb. demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against platelet-activating factor (39).

Antihemorrhage agentsAntihemorrhage agents: According to a review, Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), a combination product containing a mixture of Alpinia officinarum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, and Vitis vinifera, has been used both traditionally and in modern medicine to stop bleeding that was uncontrolled with conventional anti-hemorrhagic agents (14). According to a case report, this product has been applied endoscopically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding (45). In other case reports, ABS spray effectively treated excessive bleeding when used during dental surgery in four patients with increased bleeding tendencies due to von Willebrand Disease, liver failure, or mitral valve replacement (46). In a clinical trial, this agent reduced the amount of bleeding that occurred during episiotomy repair (47). However, it is unclear if the anti-hemorrhagic effect of ABS spray was due to the Alpinia officinarum constituent. In vitro, Alpinia mutica Roxb. demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against platelet-activating factor (39).

AntihistaminesAntihistamines: The 80% aqueous acetone extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga was found to inhibit release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of antigen-IgE-mediated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells (2).

Antihypertensive drugsAntihypertensive drugs: Small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been associated with the use of alpinia in human and animal studies (37; 35; 36). Theoretically, additive effects may occur.

Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: The gingerols and diaryheptanoids constituents of alpinia have been reported to be potent inhibitors of PG synthetase (prostaglandin biosynthesizing enzyme) (13). Diarylheptanoids contained in Alpinia oxyphylla have been reported to down-regulate cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS expression through suppression of NF-kappaB activation in the TPA-treated mouse skin (48).

AntiparkinsoniansAntiparkinsonians: According to a review, various herbal medicines and formulations, including some formulations that contain species of Alpinia, have been shown to modulate events or signaling pathways related to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis (33).

DiureticsDiuretics: A slight increase in diuresis was observed in two human studies following the administration of Alpinia speciosa (35; 36). However, there is contradictory pharmacologic evidence suggesting alpinia's anti-diuresis effects as well (23).

ImmunostimulantsImmunostimulants: Alpinia galanga L. showed a marked stimulating effect on the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), and spleen cells of mice (26).

ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: Alpinia galanga L. showed a marked stimulating effect on the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), and spleen cells of mice (26).

InsecticidesInsecticides: Alpinia oxyphylla was found to have an insecticidal activity against larvae of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (28; 29).

Leukotriene modifiersLeukotriene modifiers: The structures of the gingerol and diaryheptanoid constituents indicate they may be active against 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in leukotriene biosynthesis (1).

Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In vitro, Alpinia galanga extract inhibited the activation of THP-1 cells and reduced inflammation-related gene expression, which the investigators stated may be useful in delaying the onset and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (44). Also, treatment with Alpinia oxyphylla fruits extract showed a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro (30).

Alzheimer's agentsAlzheimer's agents: In vitro, Alpinia galanga extract inhibited the activation of THP-1 cells and reduced inflammation-related gene expression, which the investigators stated may be useful in delaying the onset and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (44). Also, treatment with Alpinia oxyphylla fruits extract showed a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro (30).

Anticoagulants/antiplateletsAnticoagulants/antiplatelets: According to a review, Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), a combination product containing a mixture of Alpinia officinarum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, and Vitis vinifera, has been used both traditionally and in modern medicine to stop bleeding that was uncontrolled with conventional anti-hemorrhagic agents (14). According to a case report, this product has been applied endoscopically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding (45). In other case reports, ABS spray effectively treated excessive bleeding when used during dental surgery in four patients with increased bleeding tendencies due to von Willebrand Disease, liver failure, or mitral valve replacement (46). In a clinical trial, this agent reduced the amount of bleeding that occurred during episiotomy repair (47). However, it is unclear if the anti-hemorrhagic effect of ABS spray was due to the Alpinia officinarum constituent. In vitro, Alpinia mutica Roxb. demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against platelet-activating factor (39).

Antihemorrhage agentsAntihemorrhage agents: According to a review, Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), a combination product containing a mixture of Alpinia officinarum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, and Vitis vinifera, has been used both traditionally and in modern medicine to stop bleeding that was uncontrolled with conventional anti-hemorrhagic agents (14). According to a case report, this product has been applied endoscopically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding (45). In other case reports, ABS spray effectively treated excessive bleeding when used during dental surgery in four patients with increased bleeding tendencies due to von Willebrand Disease, liver failure, or mitral valve replacement (46). In a clinical trial, this agent reduced the amount of bleeding that occurred during episiotomy repair (47). However, it is unclear if the anti-hemorrhagic effect of ABS spray was due to the Alpinia officinarum constituent. In vitro, Alpinia mutica Roxb. demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against platelet-activating factor (39).

AntihistaminesAntihistamines: The 80% aqueous acetone extract of the rhizomes of Alpinia galanga was found to inhibit release of beta-hexosaminidase, a marker of antigen-IgE-mediated degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells (2).

Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: The gingerols and diaryheptanoids constituents of alpinia have been reported to be potent inhibitors of PG synthetase (prostaglandin biosynthesizing enzyme) (13). Diarylheptanoids contained in Alpinia oxyphylla have been reported to down-regulate cyclooxygenase-2 and iNOS expression through suppression of NF-kappaB activation in the TPA-treated mouse skin (48).

AntiparkinsoniansAntiparkinsonians: According to a review, various herbal medicines and formulations, including some formulations that contain species of Alpinia, have been shown to modulate events and/or signaling pathways related to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis (33).

DiureticsDiuretics: A slight increase in diuresis was observed in two human studies following the administration of Alpinia speciosa (35; 36). However, there is contradictory pharmacologic evidence suggesting alpinia's anti-diuresis effects as well (23).

HypotensivesHypotensives: Small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been associated with the use of alpinia in human and animal studies (37; 35; 36). Theoretically, additive effects may occur.

ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: Alpinia galanga L. showed a marked stimulating effect on the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and increased the number of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC), and spleen cells of mice (26).

InsecticidesInsecticides: Alpinia oxyphylla was found to have an insecticidal activity against larvae of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (28; 29).

Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In vitro, Alpinia galanga extract inhibited the activation of THP-1 cells and reduced inflammation-related gene expression, which the investigators stated may be useful in delaying the onset and the progression of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (44). Also, treatment with Alpinia oxyphylla fruits extract showed a neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis in vitro (30).

Blood pressureBlood pressure: Small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been associated with the use of alpinia in human and animal studies (37; 35; 36).

Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: According to a review, Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS), a combination product containing a mixture of Alpinia officinarum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Urtica dioica, and Vitis vinifera, has been used both traditionally and in modern medicine to stop bleeding that was uncontrolled with conventional anti-hemorrhagic agents (14). According to a case report, this product has been applied endoscopically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding (45). In other case reports, ABS spray effectively treated excessive bleeding when used during dental surgery in four patients with increased bleeding tendencies due to von Willebrand Disease, liver failure, or mitral valve replacement (46). In a clinical trial, this agent reduced the amount of bleeding that occurred during episiotomy repair (47). However, it is unclear if the anti-hemorrhagic effect of ABS spray was due to the Alpinia officinarum constituent. In vitro, Alpinia mutica Roxb. demonstrated strong inhibitory effects against platelet-activating factor (39).

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.